ABTA – The Travel Association has announced its commitment to introducing greater levels of financial protection to consumers within the travel industry.
Consultation periods on three significant pieces of travel legislation designed to bring a greater degree of financial protection to consumers began yesterday (November 26th).
The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) has underlined its commitment to the reform process within the industry that should lead to increased protection for customers.
Mark Tanzer, ABTA chief executive, said: “These consultations are hugely important to our members and all their customers.”
Key proposals being discussed include reforms to the Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing (Atol) scheme to extend its remit and the latest amendments to air passengers’ rights relating to airline collapses.
As it stands, Atol covers packages sold by tour operators and travel agents but does not offer any protection to customers who have only bought flights.
The consultation relating to air passengers rights is part of the package travel directive currently being reviewed by the European Commission. It is focusing on loopholes that leave holidaymakers booking trips on the internet and ‘DIY’ breaks without any cover.
Written by Alex Cochrane
